Circulating system for internal-combustion engines



v l Oct. 18, 1927. E. H; MlTH ,646 070 CIRCULATING SYSTEM FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES Filed Sept. 8. 1925 cuhiting means such as a pump.

Patented Oct. 18, 1927.

entree srA'rss reason PATENT V orrics.

EARL SMITH, OF OAK PAR-K, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALF TO CARL H. JEN- KINS, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS. I

CIBCULATING SYSTEM FOR INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES.

Application filed September 8, 1925. Serial 110454377.

The invention hereinafter more fully described, relates to improvements in water cooling systems for internal combustion engines of the type utilizing a positive cir- One of the primary objects of the invention is to provide a simple, economical and eiiicient means for preventing overheating of an internal combustion engine to which the invention may be applied and one which may be made adaptable for and easily applicable to standard constructions of engines and water circulating systems therefor, and one which will be automatic in use.

Another object of the invention is to provide means for economizing the cooling medium for internal combustion engines. particularly during hot weather when the water often boils because of the high temperature of the engine.

Further objects will be readily appreciated from perusal of the description and claim and after viewing the drawing in which:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary side elevation of .an internal combustion engine, its radiator and circulating system showing an embodiment of my invention applied thereto.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of the end of the normal overflow pipe of the radiator showing the one-way valve applied thereto.

Most motor vehicles in use today utilize either the thermo-water circulating system that is one in which the heat derived from the engine causes the water to rise through the water jackets surrounding the engine and flow into the top of the radiator where it is cooled in downward flow therethrough to the bottom where it is again returned Witll its temperature reduced to the engine, or a forced flow system wherein circulation is established and continued under pressure through the medium of a pump usually connected in the lower porti n of the circulating system.

Regardless of the system of circulating the cooling water through the engine, it often happens that the water becomes heated to its boiling point with the formation of steam which passes into the upper portion of the radiator and escapes therefrom, either around the filling cap or through the overfiow pipe. Loss of steam in this way may soon deplete the necessary quantity of water for the cooling system and particularly is this consequence of serious nature when the machine is being driven in a hot dry atmosphere such as may be found over a desert.

I have found that I can practically eliminate this loss of steam and Water from the forced flow circulating system and [can utilize the heat ofthe steam if necessary to aid in circulating the water rapidly through the cooling system of the engine. To this end I provide means for receiving steam forming in the top of the radiator and for condensing it directly in the cooled or cold water being supplied by the pump from the radiator into the water jackets or the like of the engine cylinders. I have also found that it is advisable to prevent the escape of steam under ordinary pressures through the overflow pipe and to prevent air from flowingupwardly through the overflowv pipe while permitting the weight of affull column of water in the overflow pipe to carry some of the water through the overflow pipe until the level in the radiator has gone down to the point desired. For this purpose I provide an upwardly seating spring pressed ball check valve which valve may be directly connected in the lower end of the overflow or which may be arranged in the overflow in any desirable manner.

Referring to the drawing, an internal combustion engine of any preferred water cooled type is indicated at 2, its radiator at 3, the pipe connecting the bott m of the radiator to the engine water jacket through which water flows in the direction of the arrow thereon, at 4:, the pipe through which the water returns to the radiator from the engine water jacket at 5 and the overflow pipe of the radiator at 6. An ordinary drain cock 7 for the radiator 3, may be provided as and where desired. In the pipe line 4 between the water jacket of the engine and the radiator, I have shown a centrifugal pump 8 for positive inducementof water circulation, and between the pump 8 and the radiator a pipe 9 leading from the interior top por- .tion of the radiator above the normal water level indicated by the dotted line 10 and below the top 11 of the overflow pipe 6 to a connection 12 in the line 4, is arranged. The pipe 9 where it enters the connection 12 may be provided with an injector nozzle if desired, but I prefer to terminate the pipe 9 atthis connection and rely upon the tendency of the water circulating past the end thereof ltlil r seat against a seat 18 formed therein.

Q remove to draw steam, or steam and Water, or water vapor into the pipe 4. Any steam present in the radiator cap and drawn down the pipe 9 will be condensed by the cool water flowing through the pipe 4: to the engine.

In order that the suction created by the water flowing past the end of pipe 9 in connection 12 may not cause air to be drawn into the top of the radiator through the overflow pipe 6, I prefer to equip the lower end of the overflow pipe with a ball check valve 13, comprising a. valve llOUSlllg at having a chamber 15 in which a hall 16 pressed upwardly by a coiled spring 17, is adapted to The lower end of the housing 14tmay be swaged or spun inwardly as at 19 to form a. seat for the spring 17 while an opening 20 is provided to permit egress of water while the upper end of the housing 14 is threaded to receive a coupling 21 threadedly engaged with the lower end of the pipe 6. By properly proportioning the tension of the spring 17 the ball 16 may be arranged to be depressed away from its seat to permit a full column of water standing in the pipe 6 to open the valve to drain oil the excess water when filling the radiator, but the spring should be of such strength that it will substantially prevent the escape of steam.

In operation, any steam or other vapor generated or formed above the water level in the radiator will enter the pipe 9 because of a tendency toward a vacuum in the lower end of the pipe 9 induced by pump action, and be condensed in the water circulating through pipe 4. At the same time escape of steam, water, alcohol or other non-freezing liquids from the system will be prevented through the medium of check valve 13.

From the foregoing taken in connection with the drawing it is believed that the construction and operation of my invention will be thoroughly understood and its advantages and novelties appreciated. Since many departurcs may he made from the construction and arrangement described and illustrated. I desire to be limited only by the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claim.

I claim:

The combination with a water cooled internal combustion engine, its radiator and the water circulating pipes therebetween, of a steam connection from the top of the radiator to one of said pipes, a water pump in the last said pipe, an overflow pipe from the top of said radiator and a check valve in said overflow pipe.

In witness of the foregoing I attix my signature.

EARL H. SMITH. 

